Defence must be more adaptable, able to respond quickly to the changes in the security environment and the character of conflict.

I am extremely honoured to be the Defence Secretary, and I would not do the job if I did not think that I could make a useful contribution in the role.

Our aim is always to minimise casualties and to separate a hardline Taliban from those who have been caught up in the insurgency.

As the Chief of the Defence Staff says, you don't defend on the goal line. Defending the interests of the U.K. means tackling threats early and at source, and that means intervening overseas.

I mean, republics have fallen because of Praetorian Guard mentality where government officials get very arrogant, they identify the national interest with their own political preferences and they feel that anyone who has a different opinion, you know, is somehow an enemy of the state.

As Taiwan's friend and ally, I believe it is important for the United States to monitor the situation in the Taiwan Strait very carefully to help ensure Taiwan is not forced into a position which would endanger its freedom or its democracy.

I actually don't believe in governance by referendum. I believe that we have a democracy, that we elect people to make decisions.

You can't not approve a merger because you don't like the companies' politics. That's just not right.